My 1935 Electrophone
represents the birth of Epiphone’s electric line – not just their first electric
model, but a prototype thereof. This 1936 Electar Hawaiian Guitar is another
representative of that model, but from toward the end of its production run. The
nameplate and the change to a rosewood fingerboard are entirely cosmetic, but
the redesigned pickup coil and the addition of a tone control can be heard in
the sound of the instrument.

A
1935 brochure describes the
Electar Hawiian, Spanish and Tenor models with their accompanying amplifier.
This Hawaiian specimen listed for $85 plus $15 for a case – more expensive than
the competition from Gibson or Rickenbacker. A 7th string was
available for $10 more. This steel is entirely original save
for the felt padding on the back. It retains its original case, a chopped-down
version of the enormous carrying cases sold to hold the steel and amplifier in
one box.